Mechanism of adolescent depression and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: Interaction between interpersonal relationship and the OXTR gene

Background: Based on ecosystem theory and genetic and environmental research paradigms, the current research explored the influence mechanism of interpersonal relationship and OXTR gene rs1042778, rs2254298 and rs53576 polymorphisms on adolescent depression and NSSI.

Method: The main study investigation explored the effect of the interaction between interpersonal relationship and OXTR gene on adolescent depression and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI). Concurrently, a supplementary examination investigated oxytocin's physiological impact on the social-emotional behaviors of mice subjected to post-weaning social isolation.

Results: OXTR gene rs2254298 and rs53576 moderated the influence of interpersonal relationship on adolescent depression, and rs2254298 also moderated the influence of interpersonal relationship on adolescent NSSI. PWSI reduced the mice's emotional social ability and affected the expression and transcription of OXT and OXTR mRNA, which could be reversed after an appropriate dose of oxytocin treatment.

Conclusion: Interaction between interpersonal relationship and the OXTR gene affects adolescent depression and NSSI. The OXTR gene heterozygous genotype individuals were more sensitive to environmental stimuli, supporting the differential susceptibility model.